Advanced Response for Enforcement of Biodiversity Law and Investigation System

The project ARTEMIS represents a crucial undertaking aimed at improving the safeguarding and conservation of biodiversity and green infrastructure on an international scale. This initiative arises in the midst of a region contending with the rise of cross-border criminal activities, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia's military actions against Ukraine. Given this context, there is an imperative for a strategic and timely intervention to enhance collaboration and strengthen law enforcement capabilities in addressing crimes that increasingly transcend national boundaries. As a member of the European Union, Romania is committed to ensuring sustainable development, maintaining an unpolluted environment, reducing carbon monoxide emissions. This target can be reached by protecting biodiversity and the rational exploitation of protected areas. On the territory of Suceava County, there are 29 protected natural areas of national interest (botanical reserves, forest reserves, geological reserves, paleontological reserves, a scientific reserve and Călimani National Park). As for the protected natural areas of community interest, on the territory of Suceava county there are a number of seven avifaunistic protection areas (SPA) and 23 sites of community importance (SCI). Preserving biodiversity is crucial not only for its intrinsic value but also because it plays a vital role in providing clean air, fresh water, fertile soils, and the pollination of crops, among other essential services. Biodiversity conservation contributes to our efforts in combating and adapting to climate change, while also mitigating the impacts of natural disasters. The decline in biodiversity, therefore, carries significant consequences for society, the economy, and human health. The primary threats to biodiversity stem from various factors, including changes in land use such as deforestation, intensive monocultures, and urbanization. Additionally, direct exploitation through activities like hunting and overfishing, coupled with climate change, pollution, and the introduction of invasive alien species, exert considerable pressure on biodiversity. Safeguarding biodiversity stands as a primary goal for the entities responsible for environmental matters within the law enforcement agencies in Romania and Ukraine. This objective is accomplished through: prevention of poaching, prevention of fish poaching, monitoring and enforcement of proper waste and hazardous waste management to protect the environment, oversight of substances and pesticides used in agriculture to ensure environmental protection, detection and prevention of illegal logging, contributing to the protection and preservation of natural forest land and the environment. The project’s main outputs include the acquisition of modern equipment for operational units within the Suceava County Police Inspectorate and the Main Department of the National Police in Chernivtsi Region. This acquisition aims to enhance capabilities for preventing and detecting poaching, illegal logging and ensuring the protection and preservation of natural forest land and the environment. This equipment includes 4x4 off-road vehicles, necessary for accessing remote and difficult-to-reach areas. It also involves binoculars, including thermal imaging binoculars designed for nighttime surveillance activities. Footwear and thermal equipment are included, primarily for use in cold seasons in mountainous regions. Additionally, professional high-powered flashlights are included for surveillance, patrolling, and apprehending criminals. These tools are crucial for enhancing monitoring, surveillance, and intervention capabilities in challenging terrains. Additionally, the ARTEMIS project focuses on training and capacity building for law enforcement personnel, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize the new tools. The beneficiaries of these outputs are extensive, ranging from local law enforcement agencies to the communities in the border regions, which will experience improved protection of environment through the main means of combating crime that affects biodiversity. The project's methodology is firmly grounded in a cross-border perspective, acknowledging that in an era where crime is becoming more global, addressing these challenges in isolation is not feasible for any single nation. The project promotes the establishment of a strong network for cooperation and information exchange between law enforcement agencies in Romania and Ukraine. This cross-border approach is crucial for effectively tackling the transnational nature of modern criminal activities. By aligning methodologies and practices across borders, the project aims to bolster biodiversity conservation and enhance the protection of green infrastructure in the cross-border area.

At the beginning of the project implementation, project implementation teams was appointed by the both project partners, in order to fulfill the attributions. At the Suceava County Police Inspectorate level, the project Implementation team was appointed in accordance with the order of the Chief Inspectorate No. 15704 of May 16, 2025. The Main Department of the National Police in Chernivtsi appointed the implementation team according to Order no. 561 of April 29, 2025. The Main Department of the National Police in Chernivtsi region, in accordance with the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine no. 153 from 15.02.2002, carried out certain measures regarding the registration of the project in the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers. Thus, the project was registered on 08.08.2025 under no. 6155. On August 18, 2025, the notification to Grant Contract no. 1 was approved, introducing modifications to the type of unit applied to certain budget lines, as well as changes regarding VAT payments (not applicable to LP1). During the initial implementation phase of the project, the two project partners carried out activities within Activity 1.1 – Communication and Visibility. In line with the budget schedule, the Lead Partner, Suceava County Police Inspectorate procured 150 visibility material packages. These materials were branded with the program logo and other required elements, in compliance with the visibility requirements set by the program. The JS ex-ante verification on the compliance with the provisions of Interreg Visibility Manual was obtained previously to the creation of the materials. On June 20, 2025, the project launch conference was organized in Suceava, with the participation of the lead partner, the project partner from Chernivtsi, local authorities, and stakeholders. The event presented the objectives, activities, expected results, and EU contribution to the project. During the conference, 50 visibility packages were distributed to participants based on a signed distribution list. As part of the launch conference, the lead partner issued a press release, informing the general public about the project’s objectives, planned activities, expected outcomes, and the EU’s contribution. Also, a summary of the project was published on the two partner institution's website.